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Detectives investigating the death of a former solicitor in Durham last weekend say they are following up a number of lines of inquiry thanks to calls from members of the public.

Peter Maine was found on a footpath opposite the running track at Maiden Castle sports centre just after 8am last Sunday.

He was found to have three stab wounds to his chest and was confirmed dead shortly after being taken to the University Hospital of North Durham.

Police are continuing to treat his death as suspicious and unexplained, but stress they are keeping an open mind as to how he received his injuries.

“I am encouraged by the response we have had from people coming forward with information. We are working on a number of lines of enquiry, which include building up a picture of Peter’s lifestyle, his friends and associates and his movements in the 24 hours leading up to his death.

“Search teams are continuing to work methodically along the riverside and we are constantly reviewing all the forensic evidence and cctv footage obtained as part of our enquiries.

Durham Police say 30 officers are now working full-time on the investigation into the death of a former solicitor.

Peter Maine, 56, was found with stab wounds on a path opposite the running track at Maiden Castle Sports Centre at around 8am on September 1.

Specialist search teams have been scouring the area, while officers spent this morning distributing posters of Mr Maine in the local vicinity. They are also gathering CCTV footage in the hope of gaining further information regarding his movements before his death.

Anyone with information regarding Mr Maine's death is being asked to contact Durham Police on 101.

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Officers investigating the site where 56-year-old Peter Maine was found stabbed in Durham Credit: ITV

A solicitor who was found dead near a river in Durham was being investigated by police following allegations of fraud, according to reports.

Peter Thomas Maine, 56, had been out jogging when he was found with three stab wounds near Maiden Castle Sports Centre on Sunday morning. Police say no weapon has been discovered.

Mr Maine, from Wynyard, was also facing prosecution by the profession's Disciplinary Tribunal - The Solicitors' Authority. They said Mr Maine faced the hearing for allegedly carrying out transactions concerning a company which he should have known was "dubious".

Officers investigating a stabbing in Durham want to trace a couple who were camping near Maiden Castle on 31st August. Police believe they were picked up by a car around the time an ambulance arrived for Peter Maine, who suffered stab wounds to the chest.